scrapper

¹

[skrap-er]

noun

1. a person who removes or does away with scraps. scrap.

scrapper

²

[skrap-er]

noun

Informal.

1. a fighter or aggressive competitor, especially one always ready or eager for a fight, argument, or contest.

   the best lightweight scrapper in boxing; a rugged political scrapper.

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrapper¹

First recorded in 1640–50; scrap ¹ + -er ¹

Origin of scrapper²

First recorded in 1870–75; scrap ² + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Guralnick’s new book is the story of an immigrant scrapper who became a kingmaker with his unerring instinct for the main chance.

From Los Angeles Times

Gawky and bespectacled but with the brio of a scrapper, Pearlman was dressed like a quintessential sports geek: black-and-yellow Pittsburgh Pirates hat and Pittsburgh Maulers shirt, the latter a long-gone professional football team.

From Los Angeles Times

Renowned as a political scrapper, he gained notoriety in 2001 for punching a protester who had thrown an egg at him.

From BBC

Harris came across as a tough scrapper who could think on her feet and conceivably handle the rigors of the Oval Office.

From Los Angeles Times

A scrapper, fighter, hustler and striver, Inez — portrayed by Taylor in a fierce, career-defining turn — will not back down when it comes to the son she insists on fighting for.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• assailant 
• boxer 
• champion 
• combatant 
• mercenary 
• militant 
• opponent 
• soldier 
• tanker 
• warlord 
• warrior